Category Archives: Kitchens

DBP Reviews Kitchen Design Plans

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Kitchens and tagged , , , , , , on by .
Homeowner: Good Morning DBP. Hope all is well.  I was wondering if you can guide me.  We are doing our kitchen over and I’m just confused as to where to place the island.  Two kitchen people say one way one says the other.  If I sent you my floor plan and a picture of the two designs can you give me your honest opinion.  I’m so nervous to make the wrong decision as it’s a lot of money.  
 
DBP: Yes, send us floor plan and pix. We will be glad to offer suggestions and advice!
 
Homeowner: Hi DBP Team, I totally appreciate you taking a quick look for me.  Below is my floor plan as well as pictures of my current kitchen.  I am confused whether I should go with the Island facing the family room or facing the kitchen table area.  It's an odd layout.  I really wanted an updated look and most contractors or telling me to go with an rectangular island.  I currently have a U-shape very small.  So, I have three plans. Island facing living room, island facing kitchen table area or L shape.  Can you please give me your honest opinion.

 

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Choosing a Counter Depth Refrigerator

This entry was posted in Home Remdodeling, Jason Parsons, Kitchens and tagged , , , , on by .
How to choose the best counter depth refrigerator? This question was asked to Jason Parsons, DBP's Chief Designer, by an online magazine. Here is his answer: Because of their size and frequency of use, refrigerators are generally a focal point in the kitchen. If you have decided on a counter depth unit, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best model for you. First, most people do not realize that only the body of the refrigerator is counter depth. Doors and handles extend beyond the counter. In addition, the hinges are designed to have the doors open outside of the refrigerator width. You need to ensure that there is enough clearance to open the doors a minimum of 90° from the refrigerator not only to access your food, but to remove all drawers for regular cleaning. This will require anywhere from 3” – 6” on each side of the unit. Be sure to choose one that will work with the space that you have.
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Upper Cabinets for Your Kitchen Remodel

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Many kitchens don’t have upper cabinets occupying the space reaching the ceiling. They provided multiple purposes such as increased storage space and give the opportunity to display items, all while provided a more finished look to the kitchen.  Upper kitchen cabinets, or stacked cabinets are perfect for seasonal cookware or other appliances that get very little use annually. Also ideal for those of you with a collection of cooking utensils or silverware. How often can one complain about having too much storage space? Continue reading →

Induction Cooking in Your Kitchen

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Induction cooking ~ Design Build PlannersInduction cooking is a two-part system. The first is a coil of copper wire and when the electric current flows through the coil it creates energy. The second part is the pan itself. Not all pans will work on an induction cooktop. Pans that consist of 100% copper, 100% aluminum, or 100% non-magnetic stainless steel will not work.  The bottom of the pan must have an iron base in order to work, easiest way of checking is to hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. With a traditional radiant cooktop, the entire element would heat with the surface glowing red. But not with the induction cooktop, all the electromagnetic energy passes through the cooktop and into the pan which causes the iron molecules to vibrate creating the friction that heats the pan. Continue reading →

Instant Hot Water Dispensers

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Instant Hot Water Dispenser - instahot Instant Hot Water Dispensers (Instahot) are not complicated by any means and are very useful. They consist of a miniature electric water heater and a storage tank that are both installed under the sink. Many are connected to water filters, and some models even provide cold and hot water from the sink. Water flows up the supply line into the filtration system guaranteeing the freshest water possible, from there it travels up to a 2/3 tank where it is instantly heated to around 200 degrees. While the water is heated it is replaced by fresher water and with the fast recovery system it can deliver up to 60 cups of boiling water per hour. Continue reading →

Under Cabinet LED Lighting

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under cabinet lighting for kitcen cabinets and design build remodeling in NJ (4)Over the year’s, kitchens have become more and more technological. The under the cabinet LED lighting is one answer to the demanding need for technology in the kitchen. Fits under cabinets to discreetly provide light, Bluetooth music system, power outlets, USB ports, and mobile charging cradles the system enables backsplash to be clear of outlets and cord clutter. The product is available in four different lengths. This clears countertops of cords going in every which direction. Clearing more room for pots and pans and all the ingredients needed for cooking. Continue reading →

History of the Refrigerator

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dutch door refrigerator with bottom freezer (2)History of the Refrigerator When you think kitchens and kitchen appliances, you think refrigerators. While there were working "fridge" models prior to 1913, this is the year when the domestic refrigerator was invented. The inventor was Fred Wolfe. However, the prototype was improved upon the very next year by an engineer named Nathaniel B. Wales. Refrigerators really jumped in popularity in the 1920s after the invention of freon; from there, the General Electric "Monitor Top" refrigerator became the first fridge to see widespread use. Continue reading →

Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Kitchens and tagged , , , on by .
Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen Wood butcher block countertop - Design Build Planners (1)Many home owners view the use of the wood countertops as a cure for the cold of the common stainless steel. Wood countertops have been enjoying a revival after being eclipsed by showy stones like granite and marble. They are usually constructed from the hard wood and are also laminated together with glue making it strong and stable. The hard wood countertop always provides a warm and organic landing surface in a kitchen making it to become gentle and forgiving on dishware and also able to absorb the noise from a busy household. Another advantage about the wood countertop is that it can be repaired when damaged and also can be refinished if in any case it gets stained, dinged or gouged. Continue reading →

Kitchen Workstation

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Home Office Design, kitchen work station ~ Design Build PlannersKitchen Workstation It has been said that in front of every talented cook, there is a clean and an efficient workstation. You can be a better cook by just building a better kitchen workstation. You can set up a workstation for both cooking and office purposes. Whether you decide to put up a home office in the kitchen or just a small desk area, you need to be having some idea on what to do for your kitchen work station to be complete and efficient. For office purposes, you can use things like the cabinets that matches or compliments your kitchen so that the space can blend in. Continue reading →

Butcher Block Top Countertops

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Butcher Block Top Countertops Wood butcher block countertop - Design Build Planners (2)The dated laminate counter-top in your kitchen reminds you daily that it is time for a kitchen makeover and it should start with the kitchen countertop. Have you considered the use of a butcher top countertop? This choice guarantees a perfect transformation of your kitchen within a reasonable budget. Before you make your decision, here are some things to help you know what the product is made up of and its benefits: Continue reading →